Jekyl and Hyde

Which Wigan would United face today?

No team in the Premiership is more schizophrenic than Wigan, as they’re capable of putting on a high-quality passing and possession game or simply not showing up, as evidenced by losing 6-0 to Chelsea and 4-0 to Blackpool earlier this year.

You had the feeling that Wigan would be lively given their impressive draw with Liverpool at Anfield in their last Premiership match.

A victory is crucial here, as the fixtures come thick and fast now, with Chelsea waiting in the wings on Tuesday. Squad rotation becomes paramount this time of year.

Enter Chicharito from stage left. Exit Berba stage right.

Nobody in recent memory in a United shirt makes a better near-post run than Mr. Hernandez, with his timing and exceptional pace. One-nil to the good.

Yet, no comfort is available at halftime, as Wigan had more possession and an equal number of high-quality chances as United. Van der Sar was United’s superstar with two point-blank, rob-jobs in the first half.

This game felt like so many on the road this year for nearly 30 minutes into the second half, with the Red Devils pressing for that game-clinching goal that felt like it might not come.

Once again, up steps Javier Hernandez, who plays a simple give-and-go with Rooney and it’s 2-0. Game. Set. Match.

Immediately after the second goal you could see people streaming out of the DW Stadium, as the outcome was no longer in doubt.

Up steps Mr. Hyde.

The fans knew best, as United proceeded to add two more, one for Rooney from a nice release pass from Gibson to Berba over the top across the box to Rooney for a tap-in and one for Fabio camped at the far post. Four-nil, a flattering score line ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

There are many takeaways from this match.

First, Van der Sar’s brilliant, as he kept a clean sheet in the first half despite two high-quality chances for Wigan. Had either opportunity gone in, it would have been an entirely different match. His angles and Inspector Gadget-like reach make for a formidable keeper. It’s already bittersweet knowing he’s near retirement.

Second, Smalling continues to look solid, which is critical now with Evans and Rio out. He’s been a rock in the air, timed his tackles flawlessly, and maintains excellent position with Vidic. I’ve said it before, but Vida looks nearly as calm with Smalling as he does with Rio – a real tribute to the lad’s play. He’s looking more and more like a bargain for United.

Third, Rooney’s a very, very lucky man not to be red carded for his elbow to James McCarthy early in the first half, which could have drastically changed the match’s flow and ultimate outcome.

It’s a very, very selfish thing to take a shot like that, despite the fact that McCarthy makes himself a target for retaliation with several poor, borderline tackles in the match. Rooney single-handedly could have turned the title race on its head with one moment of rush of blood to the head.

Fourth, Sir Alex got the alchemy just right both in terms of team selection and formation today.

Utilizing the European formation against Wigan, along with the insertion of Chicharito’s pace, allowed United to control the midfield better and become much more dangerous on the counter-attack. Nani, Rooney, and Hernandez were a handful on the counter all by themselves and exceedingly dangerous with overlapping play from Evra; it was reminiscent of the best of United from the latter stages of the Champions League the past few years.

Utilizing John O’Shea at right back has proven a stroke of brilliance, as he adds that measure of stability across the back, with his decision-making, aerial presence, and measured runs forward, which lets Evra push forward a bit more – much like Park allowing Ronaldo to venture forward.

And finally, what else is left to say about Chicharito?!

The lad’s a wonderful striker who adds a much-needed dimension to the Red Devil’s attack. He’s got blistering pace, a silky first-touch, well-timed runs, and a knack for scoring important goals. Without him today, it’s conceivable that United wouldn’t have won the match, as it could have divulged into a dreary, frustrating encounter.

Both of his goals came from his incessant running off the ball, which creates lovely pockets of space around him for others to capitalize on. If I were a coach, I’d love to have a video camera transfixed to the lad for textbook purposes – he’s that good. His running comes close to Rooney’s best efforts from last year’s incredible goal tally, which may cause Fergie selection headaches on Tuesday.

Would you sit this lad after today’s performance? Yet, how do you leave the Premier League’s leading scorer on the bench?

Well, maybe the FA’s disciplinary committee will solve this problem for the Red Devils, who could be facing the Blues without Rooney. Ah, but I digress.

I posed the question. “Who would United face today?” assuming it would be one OR the other.

Who knew it’d be Dr. Jekyll in the first AND Mr. Hyde in the second. Extraordinary.

I, for one, hope that Roberto Martinez’ men stay up, as it’s nice to have a bottom-dwelling club committed to playing attractive football. But, based on their difficulty scoring, they look like prime candidates to go down. Ultimately, the dark side looks to be winning here.

-----

My apologies for not posting after the Champions League clash. Back at you well-after the Chelsea match, with the workday media blackout in full effect. Cheers.